No plans to lower drink-drive limit

The Government is not planning to lower the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, according to the road safety minister.

Reports had suggested ministers were considering bringing the limit in line with Scotland, where it is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

But Andrew Jones says the speculation is untrue, declaring there is no review on the horizon.

He believes rigorous enforcement and serious penalties for drink drivers are a more effective deterrent than changing the drink-driving limit, claiming Britain continues to have some of the safest roads in the world because of the action it takes against those who break the law.

It means the limit in England and Wales will remain 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

However, Mr Jones intends to meet with his Scottish counterpart to discuss the impact of the lower limit north of the border. He claims it is important to base decisions on evidence and the Scottish experience will be crucial to that before any possible changes are considered.

Scotland cut the limit to less than one glass of wine in December 2014, matching the vast majority of European countries.